Appendix A — Methods
This section details some participatory engagement methods. Applicability will depend on the scale and context of the project.
Exploratory Walk
Exploratory walking is an effective method for larger development proposals. Its main purpose is to understand how the area beyond the site's boundaries is experienced by under-represented groups, recognising that key issues often arise on routes to and from the site. This knowledge is to be used as an evidence base to inform the design and relevant strategies of the proposed project or development.
Preparing the exploratory walk
It is recommended to organise a pre-walk meeting to identify and map with the participants all the potential key destinations around the site to create a route for the exploratory walk. Destinations should not be assumed but directly informed by the participants. Destinations can include but are not limited to: key public transport stations (daytime/night time), town centres, parks/public realm, schools/colleges, local grocery stores and similar.
Compiling the prompt questions to cover the various profiles of under-represented groups, including how they use the urban space, and their feelings and perception of the urban space.
Conducting the Exploratory Walk
Begin with a brief introduction and allow for questions and answers. Use inclusive, gender-sensitive and accessible language. Avoid jargon and simplify specialised terms where possible.
Show the pre-determined routes and verify with participants whether the established priorities are accurate. Make amendments if necessary.
Take the group for the 1-2 hour walk along a route. Depending on the methodology, size of the group and distances, it may be beneficial to split the group if there are enough people who can facilitate the discussion and capture and record data.
There are many ways in which data can be captured, with permission, such as video or audio recording, taking notes and photographs. There is no right or wrong way.
The method should be decided beforehand by the inclusive design champion to suit both their skills and the needs of the project.
Ask prompting questions to explore the desires, needs and feelings of under-represented groups regarding their experience of the place, but most importantly, listen.
Along the route, participants could pause to focus on key themes and potential interventions and have a discussion.
Conclude the walk with groups delivering briefings about their experiences and inform the participants of the next steps.
Co-design
Co-design is the process of intentionally involving end users during the design process, to make sure that the lived experiences of the community are embedded into the design solutions. It should be an iterative process, allowing for two-way communication.
Even though co-design relates more to the design stages of a project, a co-design approach could be implemented when assessing sites and/or proposals and collaboration with the project team should be conducted throughout to understand what is needed from the project and how a co-design approach could be implemented.
It is proposed that this should include:
• Exploration and generation of ideas for participatory assessment.
• Training local people as engagement assistants and/or champions to carry out research into local/community needs.
• Involving the community in developing the method to analyse insights from participatory assessment to inform the project and base design decisions on the evidence and feedback collected.
• Determination of how decision-making responsibility will be shared (especially relevant where a consensus cannot be reached).
Co-design can be used at multiple stages of the project, for example, when prototyping and testing solutions.
Co-clienting
Co-clienting is an approach that goes beyond co-design in terms of community involvement and decision-making powers. In the context of project delivery, co-clienting includes the involvement of the community from the start, to help influence key aspects of the project, including the project brief, how the proposal develops, the final proposals, and the delivery/implementation of them.
In essence, this provides a collaborative approach with the community to:
• Embed lived experiences into the decision-making
• Empower the community to shape their spaces based on local needs and wants
• Create trust and transparency in the processes
• Create continuity in the relationship, discussions and decision-making.
• Build local capacity.
Other participatory approaches
Observational studies
Observe how under-represented groups currently use a site and its spaces (e.g. what are under-represented groups doing and when? How long do they stay?) Use this to map user stories.
Outreach, drop-in, street engagement
Conversations (both informal and structured) either with individuals or in small groups in the community (e.g. on the street, in parks, local business, community facilities, etc). This can help reach under-represented groups who won’t normally come to exhibition events, workshops or other formal processes. This is a very important method in reaching the wider community and less heard groups and can be used at any stage.
Workshops
Focused sessions with specific community groups or a mixed audience, shaped around exploring specific themes or questions.
Focus groups/community panels/forums
Different to a workshop in that they are smaller and may focus on a particular aspect of the project or scheme. Focus groups are useful in gathering a small peer group to share views and enable ideas to flow and develop between participants.
Games and interactive challenges
Interactive ways to seek feedback and increase understanding of the process of design and planning. Activities completed, time spent, and behaviour conducted could all be monitored. This method can help to communicate the project requirements from the perspective of under-represented groups and ensure that the needs of under-represented groups are considered throughout the project.
Digital methods
Such as 3D models, commonplace maps, surveys, social media campaigns, gaming to engage younger people, websites, email campaigns, etc.
Exhibitions
There is a need to consider appropriate places and times to encourage people to attend as well as accessibility requirements.
Guidance for construction sites
Develop inclusive guidance for construction sites which identifies mitigation measures for the temporary impacts arising during construction and for the inclusion and comfort of under-represented groups on sites. The impact of hoardings on sightlines and passive surveillance and the increased number of men in an area (due to the construction industry being male dominated) should also be considered and coordinated with the appropriate Highway Authorities.